4.1 DRAFT MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes February 18, 2025 --------- Page 2 of 7 is responsible for shoveling the sidewalk on their property but that the city does maintain some trails. Ms. George asked if the city would take over plowing the sidewalks in her development (Country Crossing) because most of the owners are seniors who find it difficult to maintain them and who also live on fixed incomes. The Council referred this item to staff for review. 6.PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITION 6.1 City Prosecutor and County Attorney Annual Legal Update Prosecuting Attorney Scott Baumgartner thanked the City Council for their trust over the years. He noted the data in his report is somewhat skewed as it does not represent all the cases received and completed in a year. He did comment that trends are down this year compared to the previous year. Trendwise, he is seeing an increase in Rule 20 procedures (mental health evaluations) along with an increase in higher blood alcohol content levels of those cited for DWI (driving while intoxicated). He stated these DWIs are occurring at all hours and times of the day now. He stated the Elk River police are a premier law enforcement group, and he welcomes the opportunity to work with the new police chief. Dawn Nyhus, Lead Assistant County Attorney, described her office's role in working with the city staff. She stated her office is available 24/7, and they assist in performing search warrant reviews. She further noted the new statutes around Rule 20 and the uptick in mental health evaluations. She discussed additional trends in adult felony referrals and the increase in the request for jury trials, but that they have not been able to determine why. The Council questioned why there was an increase in higher blood alcohol levels, but it was unknown at this time, 6.2 City of Elk River Volunteer of the Month Mayor Dietz presented the February Volunteer of the Month award to J. Brian Calva. He highlighted the following: ▪Volunteer and member of CAER board of directors ▪Part-time missionary teaching relationship skills in Elk River, Zacatecas Mexico, and Kryvyi Rih Ukraine ▪Volunteer for Community Hope Fest, a local worship gathering of churches at the Sherburne County Fairgrounds ▪Supporter of Running for Justice 5K and the Twin Cities marathons to raise awareness of human trafficking ▪Participated in food distribution through local businesses during recession 6.3 Retirement Recognition: James Barnes Mr. Pelarski discussed and thanked Jim for his service with the city noting the excellent job he has done in maintaining city buildings. Jim stated it was a privilege to work for the city and he has been blessed with great bosses. Page 5 of 117